In the storied history of American music, you’d be hard pressed to find a duo as influential, as lasting, and as awe-inspiringly talented as that of vocalist Ella Jane Fitzgerald and composer Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington—immortally known as Ella and The Duke. Lincoln Center’s American Songbook introduces a new narrated concert honoring Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington’s shared legacy, as portrayed by the lead singer of The Family Stand and accomplished soloist Sandra St. Victor alongside multiple GRAMMY Award-winning producer and pianist Mark Batson. Fitzgerald and Ellington’s paths to greatness could not have been more different, yet a reciprocal respect for one another’s artistry birthed a creative friendship that set the standard for the American Songbook. St. Victor and Batson present the music and lives of these legendary artists with candor and wit, finding parallels between their own personal experiences and those of their inspirations. You'll bear witness to the icons' journeys from Fitzgerald's first appearance at The Apollo and Ellington's teenage work as a sign painter, to the megastardom that awaited them. St. Victor and Batson’s combined decades of storytelling and music-making experience spark a perfect storm of talent, making this one-of-a-kind theater experience one that you won't want to miss!